Where should I plant erosion control species?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.The strategic placement of erosion control plants offers the maximum effectiveness in their ability to stabilize soils. The various positions on the slopes require particular plants to resist the forces of erosion. The lower plantings intercept the runoff while those at the crests of the slopes hold the topsoil in place. The proper species planted in the correct position in the slope zones will give further protection against erosion. This program will turn the dangerous landscape into a stable and healthy ecosystem.
Slope Base Plantings
- Function: Intercept runoff and capture sediments
- Best plants: Dogwood, Willow, Sweetspire
- Root action: Deep vertical anchors prevent undercutting
Mid-Slope Solutions
- Function: Stabilize moving soil on inclines
- Best plants: Switchgrass, Mountainmint, Sedges
- Root action: Fibrous mats bind soil layers
Slope bases require vigorous plants that can endure the stream of water. Place the shrubs, such as Dogwood, where the drainage is before the rains come. They have deep roots that prevent the soil from being undercut at this important point. Sweetspire can stand the periodic flooding common in this region. Space the plants to form living barriers against the water, which can sometimes move swiftly.
Plants that bind the soil laterally are required in the mid-slope areas. Grasses like Switch grass or Spartina are spread out horizontally and stabilize the slope. These should be planted in shingle rows following the contour. This arrangement disrupts the flow of water and reduces the velocity of erosion. Sedges are used in the jungle-like shrub plantings and fill in the hollows rapidly.
The crest plantings hold the topsoil from wind and splash. Evergreens, such as Juniper, thus furnish a year-round blanket. Their thick surface roots strengthen the most exposed top layer. They should be planted along the edge of the slope to screen them from the forces of erosion. By this means, we are preventing conditions that would lead to their cascading downhill.
Specific moisture-loving plant species are needed in drain paths. Plant rush and iris in natural waterways during rainstorms. Their roots will filter this runoff, while they will hold banks in place. Tightly spaced to form continuous erosion barriers regularly. These plants thrive where others drown out, saving drainage systems.
Employ combined applications for full slope protection. Begin with crested evergreens for initial protection against erosion. Encourage the growth of midslope grasses to hold moving soil. Conclude with base shrubs to catch all residual drainage. The combination provides complete and self-acting protection against erosion.
Read the full article: 10 Best Erosion Control Plants for Your Landscape
